Tennessee Titans TE Delanie Walker wrote that he had received death threats towards himself and his family over his decision to take part in the national anthem protest.
Walker wrote:
One of the many things I gained from spending time in the Middle East on the NFL’s USO Tour this spring, is an appreciation for America’s core values and an even greater appreciation for the men and women that defend those values. In being asked about our team’s decision on Sunday to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem, I used strong words to defend our right to make our own choices. Both my choice to spark dialogue for positive change and the fans’ choice to attend our games. It’s that freedom of choice that makes our democracy the envy of many around the world.
The death threats that my family and I have received since my comments are heartbreaking. The racist and violent words directed at me and my son only serve as another reminder that our country remains divided and full of hateful rhetoric. These words of hate will only fuel me in my efforts to continue my work reaching out to different community groups, listening to opposing voices, and honoring the men and women in the Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we may have this dialogue.
I am proud to represent the many faces of Titans fans and believe that only through a more respectful discourse can we achieve the goals of unity, peace and racial equality that I know we all strive for.
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Only in the mind of Trump supporter can freedom be justified as threatening to kill people who express a view that they disagree with. The NFL players are protesting their government. They aren’t disrespecting the flag, or veterans, or Trump. There is nothing in the Flag Code that states that people have to stand for the national anthem. In fact, NFL stadiums and fans disrespect the flag on a weekly basis. If you are a Trump supporter and wear any merchandise with the US flag on it, you are disrespecting the flag.
The people who have fought for and in some cases lost their lives defending this country did so not for the flag, anthem, or president. They did so for freedom. The kind of freedom that allows people to protest their government without having to fear for their life or the lives of their families.
Walker has the freedom to protest, and people are also free to disagree with him, but it un-American to threaten his life in the name of freedom.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
